Hormones regulate a significant proportion of your body’s necessary functions. Much like software in a computer, they serve as a blueprint for how cells in the body will interact with one another. Anything from digestive process and growth to cravings, libido, moods, and the immune system is integrated into these systems. As a result, even a subtle imbalance in your hormone levels can significantly impact your overall health and well-being.
If your hormone levels drop or are out of whack, hormone replacement therapy may be an option for you to consider. BHRT, or bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, has recently gained much attention as a treatment option for traditional hormone replacement therapy. It claims that it is a “natural” treatment for hormonal issues.
As a result, how does bioidentical hormone replacement therapy differ from other hormone replacement therapies, and what are its side effects?
What Is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)?
You can think of these hormones as bioidentical because they have been produced in a way that allows them to try to mimic hormones produced by the glands in your body. Taking bioidentical hormones may help those who suffer from symptoms related to low or unbalanced hormone levels. If you’re a woman going through menopause or pre-menopause, you will likely experience this.
The endocrine glands are responsible for producing chemical substances known as hormones. They serve as messengers, relaying instructions to other parts of your body about how and when they should carry out their duties. The body’s various organs, tissues, and processes are all influenced by hormones in one way or another. You may have symptoms that make it tough to get through your day if you have even the tiniest imbalances in your body.
Medical professionals may recommend hormone replacement therapy to patients experiencing these symptoms. Using hormone replacements derived from plants and processed is referred to as “bioidentical hormone therapy” (BHRT).
What Is BHRT Made Of?
Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are the therapy’s three most commonly prescribed bioidentical hormones.
A few bioidentical hormones have already been prepared for medical prescription by pharmaceutical companies. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States has approved certain types of bioidentical hormones. Using a doctor’s recommendation, a pharmacist can custom-make bioidentical hormones for a patient. This is a compounded version of the bioidentical hormones (or mixed).
The FDA has not tested or authorized the composite forms of the medication. Even though they are commonly marketed as “natural” alternatives, plant-based products are no longer natural once processed. Because they’ve been tampered with in a lab, these items can no longer be considered natural.
Risks Of BHRT
It’s possible that tampering with your hormone levels will adversely affect your health. Certain conditions have been linked to the use of hormone replacement therapy, such as:
- persistent heart conditions
- breast cancer, but it affects women more frequently than men
- strokes resulting from blood clots
- issue with gallbladder
That’s just HRT; BHRT has its own risks and side effects, mainly as the body adjusts to the initial hormone dose. A few of the possible side effects of BHRT include the following:
- sudden mood swings
- chronic fatigue
- frequent breakouts of acne in women
- bloating
- increased weight
BHRT and other hormone replacement therapies do not work for many people. Potential consequences and side effects may vary depending on a woman’s medical history. Before considering the therapy, speak with your doctor about the advantages and disadvantages of any hormone replacement therapy.
How BHRT Can Help You
The treatment isn’t all doom and gloom. Since this therapy was created for a specific purpose, it makes sense to use it.
The use of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) becomes more common as people get older and their hormone levels drop, particularly in menopausal women. Hormone levels have fallen, and it is used to help mitigate moderate to severe symptoms of menopause, such as:
- memory loss
- problems with sleep and weight gain
- erratic moods
- sweating at night
- pain during intercourse
BHRT can help alleviate symptoms while reducing the risk of developing diabetes, cataracts, and tooth loss. According to some of the available evidence, it can potentially lessen the appearance of wrinkles and improve the skin’s overall depth, hydration, and elasticity.
Discuss Your Options With A Provider
Medical professionals closely monitor patients receiving bioidentical hormone therapy. The objective is to reduce symptoms as quickly as possible while using the least amount of medication. Medical professionals closely monitor patients receiving bioidentical hormone therapy. The aim is to treat symptoms as soon as possible while using the least amount of drugs.
Depending on your doctor, you might undergo routine tests to measure the hormone levels in your blood, urine, or saliva. Your doctor may alter your dose based on how your hormone needs are changing.
The FDA advises against using hormone levels to determine how much bioidentical hormone therapy to give women because normal hormone levels change daily. So be prepared for a lot of tests to come your way.
Is It Worth It Despite The Side Effects?
Yes, for some patients, they are worthwhile. Depending on your symptoms and medical background, you’ll experience different results. The best form of bioidentical hormones for you should be discussed with your doctor. In some circumstances, if necessary, your healthcare provider might suggest that you forego using bioidentical hormones and endorse more traditional hormone replacement therapy options.
Summary
For those experiencing symptoms linked to low or unsteady hormone levels, BHRT may be the perfect treatment. However, BHRT has severe risks and side effects, so you should talk to your doctor about them. Many females should avoid hormone replacement therapy. Start with the lowest dose that will offer the most significant results in the shortest time if you decide to use BHRT.
Consider contacting us and making an appointment at AIYANA Aesthetics before choosing your bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. With the help of our services, you can be confident in the decisions you make and the best ways to put them to use.